Water effect play units and structures

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water effect play structures for use in playgrounds, splash pads, and water parks. The play structures comprise a plurality of water tanks maintained at an elevation above a play surface. Each of the plurality of water tanks fills with water and then releases the water contained therein, splashing children in the vicinity. Each of the plurality of water tanks may be configured to release the water contained therein at different times. Further, in some embodiments, the water tanks may be enclosed, such as by being connected to a water transport system that fills the tanks internally and by having a movable cover over the opening(s) through which the water is released.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 569,259, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]Among the most popular play structures at water parks and playgrounds or splash pads are those that provide a big splash effect, such as the Tidal Bucket™ by Water Odyssey™. These “big splash” structures fill with water and then unexpectedly release their contents onto children and / or adults standing underneath them. Children especially love the anticipation and the surprise of having a large quantity of water splash on themselves and / or their friends, siblings, parents, etc.[0003]It has presently been recognized, however, that children soon realize that after a “big slash” has occurred, there is a period of inactivity while the structure refills with water. Accordingly, children move on to other play opportunities and return only when it appears that another “big splash” is either about ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Each of the plurality of water tanks fills with water and then releases the water contained therein so that the water falls toward the play surface and splashes children in the vicinity of the water tank. Notably, each of the plurality of water tanks may be configured to release the water contained therein at different times. In this way, children will not know when each of the plurality of water tanks is going to provide a splash effect, causing children to navigate between the water tanks as each tank releases its contents. This will both keep a child's attention for a relatively long period of time by preventing downtime and cause a child to exercise as they move from water tank to water tank. Moreover, the predicting of which water tank will be next to release its contents provides an extra social play feature.

[0007]In some embodiments, the water transport system may include a component that extends into an interior of at least one of the plurality of water tanks, and preferably each of the plurality of water tanks so that the water tanks may be filled internally. This facilitates the interior of the water tanks being inaccessible to objects that could be thrown by children. For instance, the opening or openings in the water tank through which water flows out of the tank may be sized and configured to prevent outside objects from entering the interior of the water tank without limiting or slowing the process by which the tank is filled. In some embodiments, the water tank may comprise a cover for the opening or openings, the cover being configured to open, e.g. by swinging away from the water tank, when the tank releases its contents.

[0011]In some embodiments, the water released from one or more of the water tanks may be deflected and manipulated by a deflector before reaching the play surface. For instance, the structure may comprise a plurality of deflectors, with each deflector being positioned below one or more of the plurality of water tanks. This allows the water released from the tank to be manipulated to bring about any of a number of splash effects. In some embodiments, the deflectors may comprise different surface geometries configured to provide a variety of different splash effects. For instance, the surface geometry of a first deflector may differ from the surface geometry of a second deflector such that the flow of water from the first deflector differs from the flow of water from the second deflector.

Problems solved by technology

It has presently been recognized, however, that children soon realize that after a “big slash” has occurred, there is a period of inactivity while the structure refills with water.

This can both result in dangerous situations and, when successful, cause the unit to function improperly.

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